Summary

In this episode, Conan Moynihan interviews Dylan Graves, a passionate permie, about biochar and its applications in farming. They discuss what biochar is, how it is made, and its numerous benefits for soil health, water retention, and nutrient cycling. Dylan shares his personal journey into permaculture and the importance of raising awareness about biochar among farmers. The conversation also touches on the barriers to adoption, the potential for scaling the biochar industry in New Zealand, and the future of biochar in agriculture.

https://biochar.net.nz/

https://passionatepermies.wordpress.com/

In this episode of the Force of Nature podcast, Conan speaks with former owner at Ranch Management Consultants and Ranching for Profit, Dave Pratt about the critical issues surrounding succession planning in farming. They discuss the importance of communication, understanding expectations, and the need for a paradigm shift in how ranchers view their businesses. Dave shares his journey from a struggling rancher to a successful educator, emphasizing the need to work on the business rather than just in it. The conversation also touches on the role of nature in agriculture, the significance of fun in farming, and the distinction between economics and finance in making sound business decisions. This episode is a must-listen for anyone serious about building resilient, profitable, and future-ready farming businesses.

In this episode of the Force of Nature podcast, Nic Thompson discusses the evolution of leadership and management practices, emphasizing the importance of self-management, decentralization, and emotional intelligence in organizations. He shares personal experiences that shaped his views on leadership and highlights the need for a purpose-driven approach in business. The conversation explores the Teal management framework, the significance of transparency, and the role of authenticity in fostering a positive organizational culture. Thompson provides actionable insights for leaders looking to navigate change and empower their teams effectively.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholasgilesthomson/?originalSubdomain=au

https://itsiceberg.com/

In this episode, I’m joined by Thomas James Holmes to unpack the challenges currently facing the arable sector and what they reveal about the wider agricultural system.

We discuss how agriculture often focuses on the positives in good times, while sectors under pressure are overlooked. Thomas shares why flexibility, adaptability, and stronger support systems are critical for navigating economic uncertainty, and why collaboration across sectors is essential for long-term resilience.

This conversation is a timely reminder that no part of agriculture operates in isolation and that sustainable solutions require awareness, change, and collective effort.

https://ruralleaders.co.nz/opportunities-and-challenges-for-the-future-of-arable-farming-in-canterbury/

In this episode I sit down with two of the founders from the Underground Festival in New Zealand, Fran Bailey and Chanelle O'Sullivan. UNDERGROUND is a two day festival celebrating soil, food and farming featuring international & local soil legends, talks, workshops, field experiences, local kai and music. In this episode we chat about how they came to create the festival, whose it for and how to get the most out of attending it plus a whole lot more.

https://www.undergroundfestival.co.nz/

https://www.instagram.com/franbaileypr/?hl=en

https://www.instagram.com/chanelle.osullivan/?hl=en

In this episode, Professor Jack Heinemann breaks down the often-overlooked risks of genome editing in agriculture. As New Zealand considers deregulation, he explains how genetic tool, while promising, can unintentionally disrupt vital ecosystem services, compromise farm productivity, and create long-term environmental consequences, even without intent to cause harm.

https://profiles.canterbury.ac.nz/Jack-Heinemann

Conan sits down with dairy farmer and Kellogg Scholar Daniel Judd to unpack his report “The Soil’s Gap.” Together they explore why New Zealand’s agricultural science has focused on fertiliser over soil biology, what that means for productivity and resilience, and how mindset, not just management shapes the future of farming. From fertiliser efficiency and lost nutrients to bridging the divide between conventional and regenerative systems, this is a deep, honest look at where the next evolution of farming begins: in the soil.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-judd-b5a89a2ba/?originalSubdomain=nz

https://ruralleaders.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Daniel-Judd_K53_Final-Report.pdf

In this episode of the Force of Nature podcast, Conan Moynihan speaks with Shaun Balemi from AgVance Nutrition and the MyCow App about the intricacies of cow nutrition and its impact on dairy farming. They discuss common mistakes in cow feeding, the importance of consistency, and how data technology can enhance decision-making on farms. Shaun emphasizes the role of nutrition in reproductive health and the significance of transitioning cows effectively. The conversation also touches on the environmental implications of proper feeding and the future of agriculture through collaboration and innovation.

https://mycow.nz/ 

https://agvance.co.nz/

In this episode of the Force of Nature podcast, Dr. Lucy Williamson discusses the intricate connections between gut health and soil health. With a background in veterinary medicine and nutrition, she emphasizes the importance of the gut microbiome in overall health and its relationship with food systems. The conversation explores the role of farmers, the significance of education in nutrition, and the need for community engagement in understanding food sources. Dr. Williamson also shares insights on plant-based diets, the benefits of raw milk, and practical tips for improving gut health.

https://lwnutrition.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/lucywilliamsonnutrition/?hl=en

In this episode of the Force of Nature podcast, Conan chats with Angela Clifford of Eat New Zealand and the Food Farm, to discuss the current state of food systems in New Zealand. They explore the importance of investing in local food systems, the challenges of food security, and the need for a cultural shift towards supporting small farms and local producers. Angela emphasizes the vulnerabilities in New Zealand's grain market and the necessity for community-driven initiatives to create a resilient food system. The conversation highlights the potential for a decentralized food system that prioritizes local food production and access, ultimately aiming for a sustainable future for New Zealand's food landscape.

https://eatnewzealand.nz/

https://www.thefoodfarm.nz/